
Judge Grants Trump and Co-Defendants Appeal in Georgia Election Case
Fulton County judge allows Trump and co-defendants to appeal ruling, enabling Georgia Court of Appeals' review of case.

In a significant development, the Fulton County superior court judge overseeing the 2020 election case involving former President Donald Trump has granted Trump and eight of his allies the right to appeal the decision allowing District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the case. The judge's decision allows the appeal if special prosecutor Nathan Wade resigns, providing a potential opportunity for the case to be reviewed by the Georgia Court of Appeals.
Opportunity for Appellate Review
Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee's ruling, issued on Friday, allows Trump and his co-defendants to seek a review of his previous decision. McAfee stated in a brief "Certificate of Immediate Review" that he intends to address other pending pretrial motions, regardless of whether the appellate court agrees to take up the case.
Background of the Case
McAfee had previously rejected a bid by Trump and his co-defendants to disqualify Willis and her office from prosecuting the case due to her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The judge ruled that Willis and her office could continue with the case if Wade stepped aside, which he did, complying with the court's order.
Response from Trump's Lawyer
Steven Sadow, Trump's lawyer, expressed optimism that appellate review could lead to the case being dismissed and the disqualification of the district attorney. Sadow's statement highlighted the defense team's hope for a favorable outcome through the appeal process.
Allegations of Romantic Relationship
The controversy surrounding the case emerged when it was revealed that District Attorney Fani Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade were romantically involved. This revelation, initially raised by a GOP operative charged alongside Trump, sparked efforts to remove Willis and her office from the case and have the charges against them dismissed.
Judge's Rebuke and Resignation
While McAfee allowed Willis to stay on the case as long as Wade withdrew, he sternly criticized the pair for a "tremendous lapse in judgment" and the "unprofessional manner" of their testimony. Subsequently, Wade offered his resignation to Willis, stating his decision was in the interest of democracy and the American public.
Case Background and Current Status
Trump faces 10 counts in the sprawling racketeering case, with the former president and his allies accused of engaging in a scheme to reverse the outcome of the last presidential election in Georgia. While 18 others were charged alongside Trump, four have accepted plea deals, and the remaining 14 co-defendants have pleaded not guilty.
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